This story is getting bigger and bigger. Even though most Americans probably already knew, it is now official: the United States government, through its National Security Agency, is collecting the communications and data of all American citizens, and of non-Americans using American services, through a wide collaboration with the large companies in technology, like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and so on. Interestingly enough, the NSA itself, as well as the US government, have repeatedly and firmly denied this massive spying on Americans and non-Americans took place at all.

Yes, the United States is a Republic. That is the same thing as saying that Canada is a Monarchy. Both statements are true, and neither says much of anything about whether or not each country is or isn't a democracy...

The people, limited in numbers by various "who can vote" schemes, choose a select elite who are entitled to vote on who becomes president

You somehow manage to wordsmith that into sounding like a bad thing.

(hint, its not)...

Your from Toronto, care to describe how you "elect" a Prime Minister up there?

No, a Republic is not mutually exclusive from democracy but it's not a pure democracy either now is it. I'd also clarify that, when more effort is put into limiting who can vote rather than educating and collecting votes from the maximum number of citizens.. maybe it's worth taking a step back and having a look-see.

"Your from Toronto,"
Ssh, don't tell. it's a secret.

My understanding is that we vote for the local party representative. The representative of the party that wins the most regions becomes Prime Minister. Tell you what though, I'll go do some reading to makes sure I have it right or correct my understanding if not.

We can also continue this when there is significant news of vote fixing in our elections.